RealGM Wiretap

Mehmet Okur hasn't played in a game since April, but he's close to returning after nearly an eight-month absence due to Achilles surgery.

According to Jazz president Randy Rigby, Okur could return during the team's pre-Christmas road trip.

Utah's four-game trip begins Friday in New Orleans and ends on Dec. 22 in Minnesota.

"We think it's a matter of maybe a week, hopefully, that we're gonna see him close to action," Rigby said. "So, I'm optimistic that within a week to two weeks, I'm hoping, that we see Memo back on the court."